Holiday networking isn’t just about corporate mixers. You can find opportunities in places you’d least expect.

Local Events & Charity Drives

• Toy drives, coat collections, and food bank fundraisers often attract business owners and community leaders. 
• Volunteer as a sponsor or helper, your name on a program or t-shirt goes a long way. 

Industry Gatherings & Association Mixers

• Many professional groups host end-of-year parties. 
• If your association isn’t hosting one, check neighboring cities or related industries. 

Community Activities

• Tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and winter festivals bring together a wide mix of residents. 

These are casual, but perfect for light conversations that can lead to deeper connections later.

Nothing kills a holiday vibe faster than a hard pitch. Your mission is to make a personal connection first, then let the professional connection follow naturally.

Ask Questions First

Instead of talking about your work right away, ask about theirs. People love to share their own stories.
Example: “So how do you know the host?” or “What’s been the highlight of your year?”

Share Stories, Not Pitches

When it’s your turn to talk about what you do, frame it in terms of helping people.
Example: “I work with families to make sure their health coverage actually works for them when they need it.”

Follow the 70/30 Rule

Spend 70% of the conversation listening, 30% talking. It makes people feel heard and valued.

Meeting someone once won’t do much unless you follow up. The holidays give you an easy, non-salesy excuse to keep in touch.

Seasonal Thank-You Cards

• Handwritten notes stand out in the age of text and email. 
• Mention something specific from your conversation. 

Small, Branded Gifts

• A calendar, mug, or desk accessory with your logo keeps you top-of-mind without being overbearing. 

Charity Donations in Their Name

If you know they care about a cause, make a small donation and let them know. It’s memorable and meaningful.

Even in the holiday spirit, some missteps can undo your hard work.

• Overdrinking: You’re there for business, even if it’s subtle. 
• Talking Politics or Controversial Topics: Keep it light and inclusive. 
• Dominating Conversations: If you’ve been talking for more than three minutes without a pause, you’re probably oversharing. 
• Forgetting to Capture Contact Info: Don’t rely on them to reach out; make sure you can follow up. 

Here’s where the rubber meets the road: the real payoff comes in January.

1. Organize Your List: Record every name, contact method, and any personal details you learned. 
2. Reach Out in Early January: Thank them again for the December conversation and suggest a coffee or quick call. 
3. Offer Value: Share a market update, a relevant article, or a resource that solves a problem they mentioned. 

Opening at an Event:
“Hi, I don’t think we’ve met yet , I’m [Your Name]. How do you know the host?”

Transitioning to What You Do:
“By day, I help people make sure they’ve got the right coverage for their needs. This time of year, it’s mostly about helping folks start the new year with peace of mind.”

Ending the Conversation Gracefully:
“It was great talking with you. Can I get your email so I can send you that article we talked about?”

Holiday networking is about planting seeds, not harvesting crops. The goal isn’t to close deals on the spot , it’s to create warm connections you can nurture into business relationships when the new year begins.

This December, show up, join the conversation, and leave people looking forward to hearing from you again. Do it right, and by January, your calendar will be full of promising follow-up calls.